The 2015 Mother’s Day Classic is rapidly approaching, and Australia’s top bosses are inviting their business competitors to extend their rivalry to race day.

This is the second year of the Boardroom Challenge, with many corporate executives already making strong progress in raising money and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation ahead of this year’s event on May 10.

Currently sitting atop the leaderboard in terms of funds raised is David Atkin, CEO of Cbus. A keen runner, David has participated in the event for several years.

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“I’ve always done the 8km,” Atkin says, “but this year I’m running the 4km because my daughter Nikolette, who’s turning 12, is running it for the first time with me. She’s very excited.”

Cbus has always had close ties with the Mother’s Day Classic, says Atkin.

“Mavis Robertson, who recently passed away, was one of the architects of Cbus and one of the architects of the event. And Louise Davidson, who’s about to leave us to be CEO of the Australian Council of Super Investors, was also one of the instigators of the Mother’s Day Classic.

Because of that, it’s very easy to get a lot of involvement here at Cbus.

“It means something to people. Ninety five per cent of our members are male, but breast cancer affects the community broadly and it’s important for us to show our solidarity and our support.”

Atkin sees the Boardroom Challenge as a great way for industry leaders to inspire and engage staff for an important cause that impacts every workplace.

“It’s good fun, and there’s always a little bit of healthy rivalry between CEOs to see who can tap into their networks the best to raise the most.”

That’s why he’s urging any of peers who haven’t yet entered to sign up and join him on the start line.

“I’d like to see all the CEOs in super there,” he says. “And specifically my colleague Ian Silk from Australian Super – one of the biggest super funds. I’d like him to get his shorts on and challenge the best of us.”

This year, as well as Cbus, other companies already registered for the Boardroom Challenge include David Jones and Slater & Gordon, and there’s still time to join them. To find out how to enter a team for your company, click here.

Disclosure: Cbus is a shareholder in The New Daily.

The New Daily is a proud partner of the Mother’s Day Classic, a fun run and walk, which raises funds for breast cancer research. It will take place on May 10. Visit the website to register online before the event.